i have windows xp professional. the search feature in it doesnt come up i click on it but nothing happens. this is the search for file and folders, in the start menu. thanks for any help.1) Did it ever work? (if so, what's different?)
2) Have you updated your malware definitions and DONE your malware scans RECENTLY?
3) Check the disk for errors
Sounds like a corrupted registry...What happens if you just hit F3 ? ?
Does the Search window come up ? ?

patio.   8-)nothing happens when i press f3 the hour glass comes up briefly and then disappears. the search did work before but now it WONT come up. i have ran scans but it is clean. to check the disk for errors do i righ-click on c drive and go to tools.A good place to start...run Disk Cleanup first in the first window then in Tools select Error Checking...you'll have time for a coffee...

POST back with your results.

patio.   8-)i've followed patio's advice yet still nothing. Next step:

From the start menu choose Run...
Type in command and hit Enter...
In the command PROMPT window type in "sfc /scannow" without the quotes and let it do it's thing.

patio.   8-)i've tried to do that patio,but i dont have windows disk so it wont let me complete it.any other ways to overcome this.thanks.Where is your Windows CD? Do you have SP2 and all updates applied?the guy i bought my computer of never gave me one. i do have sp2 and my computer is fully updated. Quote

the guy i bought my computer of never gave me one. i do have sp2 and my computer is fully updated.